[Elecraft] Soldering stations.

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Yep, just saw that myself, Bob!

That's my motto: "Ready, FIRE!, Aim..."

I consider a quick and easy method of changing temperatures essential in a
soldering station.  

I used to have trouble with the "blob" method of removing enamel and a few
other simple chores such as using desoldering braid that I could do easily
in the field with an uncontrolled temperature iron. The problem is that a
700F iron is too cool for many things like that. With the Hakko, I crank up
the temp to 800F and within a couple of seconds those chores become simple.
While I normally use a solder puller, sometimes braid is easier. The iron
needs to heat up the braid enough for good flow, and do it quickly before
the board or connector gets overheated, all the while heat is being lost up
the braid. Braid is copper - a GREAT heat sink! Using a hotter iron prevents
that problem by putting the right amount of heat on the joint through the
braid.

And blob-stripping enamel from wire is equally simple and fast with enough
heat.

Ron AC7AC



-----Original Message-----

Ron, I think you responded to the wrong message (about the KX1). :^)

Weller also has soldering stations with an adjustable temperature control.
I have used the WTCP type with fixed-temperature tips but prefer the
adjustable model WES50 which I used to build my K2.  This model has been
replaced by the WES51, which is probably a bit more expensive than the Hakko
936, also a very fine product.

Xytronics has a similar station, which is probably a bit less expensive.

Bob, N7XY

On Mon, Nov 15, 2004 at 07:17:47PM -0800, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> I have a Hakko 936 that I really like. I like it better than the
> Wellers because I can adjust the temperature by a simple twist of the 
> knob. Comes up from cold to 700F in about 20 seconds, and has plenty 
> of heat to avoid temperature "droop" when doing a lot of joints.
> 
> I bought one a couple of years ago and the first tip is still as clean
> as the day I put it on. I got mine from Tequipment.net. I see they 
> currently sell there in the $80 range. That's cheap for the quality of 
> the iron, in my experience (http://tinyurl.com/56r3n)
> 
> Not connected with Tequipment myself, of course, except happy to have
> done business with them.
> 
> Ron AC7AC